The Rotary Club of Ago Palace Way, Lagos, has empowered some artisans with startup tools like sewing machines and grinding machines to enhance their trades.

Speaking during the programme, the District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Rotarian Henry Akinyele, described the programme as another beautiful presentation by Rotary Club of Ago Palace Way.

He said: “I am here as the District Governor (DG) on an official visit to their club. I must tell you that I am so impressed with the kind of impactful project I have commissioned today.  They are empowering the indigent people in their neighbourhood by giving them sewing machines and grinding machines to enhance their businesses. This is a very laudable project. It will not only impact the beneficiaries but also their families. That is what Rotary stands for.”

He encouraged the beneficiaries to maintain the machines given to them, assuring that the club would be willing to encourage them further.

The United President of Rotary Club of Ago Palace Way, Rotarian Patrick Okongwu, said the programme was meant to host the DG of District 9111.

“It is a normal routine for every DG to visit all the clubs within his district. So, today we are welcoming the DG, and we are empowering some indigent people in our community. We are empowering seven people, four people with sewing machines and three people with grinding machines,” Okongwu said.

He said the club conducted a feasibility study before deciding to empower the beneficiaries.

“The total cost of the project is approximately N1.4 to N1.5 million. The message we are sending to the beneficiaries is that Rotary is meant to serve humanity. I am also pleading with them to use what they have received well and to use it also to empower other people.”

The incoming president of the club, who doubled as the chairman of the project, Rotarian Chigbo Obah, and Rotarian Ikechukwu Azomaukuru, who is in charge of administration, said the project was the club’s way of contributing to the development of society.